Search - Matthew Ryan :: Concussion

An Artist Who Demands To Be Heard

Steven Alter | Redmond, WA United States | 09/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are so few records today that convey the sense that they had to be made, that they are necessary artistic expressions, rather than simply product being delivered because the calendar says it's time. (And this is sadly true of many artists I love.) Matthew Ryan is that rare artist whose music consistently reaches this pinnacle. Like his previous efforts, listening to "Concussion" is to be in thrall of a passionate and articulate storyteller with the uncanny abililty to reach into the dark places of the soul, yet still seem resilient.Ryan's music may echo the darker side of Springsteen, Mellencamp or Steve Earle, but it is filled with the immediacy of someone in the midst of things, as opposed to simply commenting on them. It is also suffused with an ineffable sadness and world-weary view that is surprising from a guy who's yet to crack 30.So, no, this is not easy listening, and the mostly pared down arrangements mean that there's no wall of guitars or full-on thrash to pull you through as there were on "May Day" and "East Autumn Grin." But there's a difference between music that's depressing and music that's deeply felt, and Ryan's tales of broken hearts and wounded spirits are definitely the latter; his craggy, expressive voice imbues even the saddest songs with a sense of LIVING, or struggling to come up for air, even for a brief moment.While this is an album to be heard as a whole, there are a few moments of note: the mournful Happy Hour, which asks "If you had everything you wished for/then what would you live for?/And what would you lose?; the haunting vocals of Lucinda Williams on Devastation that define heartache; the chilling tale of family violence of Night Watchman that packs the power and detail of a brilliant short story into a 4:30 song; and a blazingly powerful reclamation of the Clash's unheralded classic Somebody Got Murdered.This is Ryan's first album on an indie label after two releases on A&M, so it's unlikely to reach the masses. But those who care about music that matters, who want the kind of experience so rarely found today -- but heard on classics from the likes of Waits or Dylan or Springsteen or Lucinda or Leonard Cohen, should seek out "Concussion" and find a place for Mr. Ryan's other records on your shelf as well. Yeah, he's that good."

Modern Classic

nkvdemon | Atlanta, GA | 03/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Matthew Ryan purely by coincidence after seeing him open for Kasey Chambers in D.C. She described him as one of the best singer/songwriters alive, and after seeing him perform I have to agree with her. Everybody that has ever listened to one of his albums owes it to themself to see him perform live. From the opening track, "Drift" Ryan will grab you with the simple power of his lyrics and the depth of emotion with which he infuses them. He combines great writing with a voice reminiscent of the love child of Steve Earle and Tom Waits. The tracks on this album are more stripped down than some of his previous work, but no less meaningful.Standout tracks include the opening track, "Drift," "Rabbit," and "Nightwatchman." Perhaps one of the best aspects of this album is there are no "filler" songs, every track is quality and Ryan does a wonderful job of seamlessly weaving them into quite the enjoyable experience. I can't recommend this cd enough."

The sounds of life...

Kenneth N. Fricklas | Boulder, CO | 10/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a testament to the songwriting power of Matthew Ryan, one of the most overlooked songwriters working today. The spare arrangements are evocative and give a real feeling of heart and soul to the album. For those who admire Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and even the more subdued works of Lyle Lovett, this album is a must."